Chester County Economic Development Council - Calendar of Events 10 April 2007, Tuesday

International Business Event

Emerging Export Markets in West Africa

  
Presented by:
  Becky Erkul, International Economist
Office of Africa, Market Access & Compliance, US Dept. of Commerce

Joan Edwards, Manager
Insurance Business Development, Overseas Private Investment Corporation

Scott Conrad, Asst. Vice President
International Trade Finance, M&T Bank

Bob Elsas, Senior International Credit Officer
U.S. Small Business Administration

Janet Kolokithas, International Trade Representative
Dept. of Community & Economic Development, PA's Center for Trade Development (CTD)
  

Please join us at the Chester County Economic Development Council to gain expert advise on emerging export opportunities and trade finance resources in a region where US exports have grown over 50% within the last five years!  Experts in the public and private sector will speak on leading industries, project developments, trade finance, and proven growth strategies in West Africa.  The State of PA will discuss opportunities to participate in a West Africa trade mission featuring stops in Dakar, Senegal and Accra, Ghana on November 5-9, 2007.  We encourage you to take a serious look at doing business in this exciting and emerging region!

The Central and West Africa sectors that hold the most promise for U.S. exporters are:

• Oil and gas extraction and refining equipment industries
• Mining
• Agro-industrial machinery and chemical
• Food processing equipment and technology
• Telecommunications
• Generic pharmaceutical products
• Reconditioned industrial equipment
• Cosmetics
• Used clothing

Interest in American products is high in both the English- and the French-speaking countries and many French-speaking businesspeople see learning English as their next step to more profitable business. American firms interested in doing business in Central and West Africa need to understand that the development of Central and West African markets will take significantly more personalized transactions than entry into a more mature market. Nevertheless, there is more money to be made in Central and West Africa and, as important, an economy to be developed. With a few exceptions (owing primarily to political unrest), business activity is increasing throughout the region and is expected to continue over the next few years.
 

To register, please contact Courtney O'Donnell at codonnell@cceconomicdevelopment.com.

Checks can be made payable to CCEDC and sent in advance to:
737 Constitution Drive; Exton, PA 19341.
 

* Must be a member of CCEDC or World Trade Center of Philadelphia to receive the member price.
 

For more information, please email Kathy Field at kfield@cceconomicdevelopment.com.

	Licensed To: Chester County Economic Development Council